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PUBLIC COMMENT SOUGHT ON KDWP CATFISH MANAGEMENT PLAN

Draft plan, public comment form available onlinePRATT -- The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) invites public review and comment on a draft plan to guide future management of catfish in the state’s waters. Interested persons can download and view the plan online, as well submit comments, at the KDWP Blog. The plan is being developed to assist department staff in applying state-of-the-art fisheries science to future management of the species.

“Kansas has a long history of catfish angling, but like other fishing pursuits, it has become more specialized in recent years,” said Doug Nygren, Fisheries Section chief for KDWP. “In addition to the overall popularity of catfishing among Kansas residents, there is a rapidly-growing interest in trophy fishing for catfish species.”

Major catfish tournaments are held on Kansas reservoirs and the Missouri River. In addition, the Kansas River is a widely-known destination among flathead and blue catfish trophy anglers. Kansas holds the world record for flathead -- a 123-pound specimen taken from Elk City Reservoir in 1998.

“We also want to make sure that anglers have more background and more details on the many considerations we will take into account in future management decisions affecting the state’s catfish fishery,” Nygren said.

To make comments or download a copy of the draft plan, click " KDWP Blog" at the top of the agency's website.-30-